Are you the Caregiver for a Family Member with Alzheimer's Disease in Your Home?

Currently there are approximately 5.4 million people living in the United States with Alzheimer's Disease. 87% of these people are living at home with their family. Almost 15 million Americans are unpaid caregivers for loved ones with Alzheimer's disease, according to figures released 3/15/2011 by the Alzheimer's Association.

I have often wondered how many of these caregivers have the information they need to provide the best care possible for their loved one.

The role of a caregiver for a family member with Alzheimer's Disease in the home can be very difficult. The goal of this website is to provide helpful information, tips, and support for these caregivers. I will describe the different stages of the disease and the behaviors which may present as the disease progresses. I will also provide research and treatment information.

I have been a registered nurse for 16 years and I have provided care for many patients with Alzheimer's Disease. Several years ago I realized the caregivers of these patients needed my help as well as the patient. I began to research the effects of this disease on the caregiver. What I discovered was that many of the caregivers did not have a strong support system and were unaware of the help that was available to them.

I decided to create a website which offered information and a place for caregivers to share their views and interact with other caregivers. I am hoping those who have had several years of experience living with this life altering disease will be able to provide emotional support and their experiences to those who are just beginning their roller coaster ride.

I will provide links to related websites which may be helpful to the caregiver. I will also share with you the techniques used by nurses when they are caring for patients affected by this disease. There are so many different areas of life affected by Alzheimer's Disease and no one person has all of the answers. My goal is to help answer as many of them for you as I can.